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Ready to stop doing crack? Ways to quit crack safely

Have you made up your mind to stop using crack and wonder how can you quit safely, you’ve come to the right place. Deciding to quit crack and seek help may be the hardest part of addiction recovery, but it is also the best call you can make for yourself. But how can you prepare for withdrawal and detox from crack?

After using any form of cocaine daily or almost daily, you should be prepared for withdrawal symptoms to occur when you quit or lower your dose. In this text we will explain what you can expect when you stop using crack and how you do so safely. In the end, we invite your questions and comments, and we try to respond to all legitimate inquiries personally and promptly.

Can you stop taking crack suddenly?

It may be difficult to just stop taking cocaine in cases of daily or few times weekly dosing. Frequent use usually results in physical dependence to cocaine, which means that your body has adapted to the drug and the normal production of neurotransmitters in the brain has been thrown out of balance. If you are dependent on cocaine and just stop taking it cold turkey, the abrupt chemical change manifests a number of physical and mental symptoms which can be very uncomfortable.

If you aren’t sure whether your body has developed dependence on the drug, reflect on dosage. Have you increased the amount or the frequency of crack use in order to feel the effects cocaine once used to produce? If YES, then you may have developed tolerance to the drug. In these cases, the best way is to stop may be to gradually decrease dose amount or frequency. By tapering crack cocaine, you will give your body a chance to adapt to the absence of the drug slowly, over a period of time. Thus, the withdrawal symptoms you experience will be far milder and more bearable. Still, some professionals recommend cold turkey withdrawal to avoid relapse.

What happens when you stop smoking crack?

Once regular crack use is stopped or decreased, you can expect to go through a period of withdrawal as your central nervous system (CNS) reacts to the absence of crack. Chronic or habitual cocaine use influences the production of neurotransmitters and increases the release of the happy hormone – dopamine, hence its pleasurable effects. So, stopping crack after using it for a while will cause an emergence of withdrawal symptoms which can last for days, weeks, or months. What’s more, people have a hard time to feel pleasure again as a result of the decreased dopamine level.

Side effects when you stop taking crack

Quitting crack goes hand in hand with a number of withdrawal effects. Here is a list of what can someone who stops taking crack can expect during the withdrawal period:

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aggression and violent incidents

agitation

anhedonia (the inability to feel pleasure)

anxiety

crack cravings

depression

fatigue

flu-like symptoms

irritability

lack of motivation

mood swings

musculoskeletal pains

paranoid feelings

psychosis, hallucinations and other mental disturbances

restlessness

sleep disturbances and vivid nightmares

suicidal feelings

The severity and duration of these symptoms is proportional with the level of crack dependence. If you have been using cocaine for a while now, instead of attempting to go through detox on your own, you can reach out to medical professionals. Staying under medical surveillance during the beginning, acute stages of detox, can be the difference between a relapse and successful recovery.

Can you quit crack on your own?

You might. But, it’s not recommended.

Sudden cessation of crack can trigger intense withdrawal symptoms and a strong urge to use cocaine again. Crack has highly addictive properties, so your body and mind experience a strong desire for cocaine once it starts to leave the system. As you are starting to crave the drug, withdrawal symptoms occur and make it even harder for you not to use again. This is why emotional and psychological support is crucial during this time. Detox clinics will often refer you to counseling or support groups to help you through the first days of withdrawal.

Quitting crack cold turkey

Quitting crack cold turkey described the abrupt cessation of crack and the unpleasant experience that results from doing so. Cold turkey withdrawal from crack is the opposite of gradually easing the process through slower reduction over a period of time, with the help of replacement medication.

There are people who have successfully stopped crack cold turkey, but it can be both psychologically and physically difficult. Moreover, sudden withdrawal can be dangerous, and this is why it’s recommended to seek help from medical professionals before you attempt to do this on your own.

How to quit crack cocaine?

Start by consulting a medical or mental health professional, or an addiction professional for advice on community and medical resources. You can seek help from professionals such as a:

licensed clinical social worker

medical doctor who specializes in addiction

certified psychologist

psychiatrist

These professionals can help you find the right kind of treatment program that fits your needs and that can provide medical help, psychotherapy, and emotional support. The first stage of addressing possible addiction to crack is to “clean” your body from the toxins that have accumulated. This stage of the recovery is also known as detox and it’s the most critical one since symptoms of withdrawal are most intense during this period. While the duration of time it takes for crack withdrawal to end varies by user, it’s highly recommended that you seek medical assistance. This way, you may have the symptoms monitored and have best chances for recovery.

Stop taking crack safely

The safest way to stop taking crack is by following professional guidelines under medical surveillance. Medical detox is considered the safest way to stop taking crack safely, as physical and psychological symptoms can be addresses as they appear. Together, this treatment can decrease the chances of relapse. Do consult a medical professional before beginning any detox plan and follow their instructions.

How to stop taking crack questions

Did we answer what you wanted to know about the ways you can stop crack use? We invite your questions if you want to know more. We try to respond personally and promptly to all legitimate comments and inquiries.

I have a friend that used crack daily, he is now in prison i went to visit him and he looks better, he picked up weight, and his skin cleared up. Is there a chance he will come out stil addicted to crack? He has been in prison for almost a year

Lydia @ Addiction Blog

1:10 pm June 29th, 2016

Hi Frederick. It depends of your friend’s wishes. If he wants to stop and go into rehab program, then he may beat addiction.

kiana

4:45 am July 27th, 2016

I smoked crack cocaine for three days straight now clean for four day straight I went from light skin to dark skin when will my color come back

kiana

4:46 am July 27th, 2016

I been smoking crack cocaine for three days straight now clean for four days straight how long it will take for me completion to come back

Zaza

10:31 am February 1st, 2017

I need help but don’t a ins

Lydia @ Addiction Blog

5:11 pm February 2nd, 2017

Hi Zaza. Call the number you see on the website to get in touch with a trusted treatment consultant who can help you find the treatment program you need.

James

3:55 am April 3rd, 2017

I’m going through the withdrawal stress..help

Lydia @ Addiction Blog

10:45 am April 3rd, 2017

Hi James. Call the Cocaine Helpline listed here on 1-888-497-6879 to get in touch with dependable hotline professionals available 24/7.

HI James. The SMART Recovery Handbook “Coping with Urges and Cravings” has collected nearly two dozen strategies for dealing with cravings and urges. Some of the approaches that work best for many are summarized with the easy-to-remember acronym DEADS – as in “Combat Urges DEADS.” Each letter stands for a useful approach: D = Delay. E = Escape. A = Accept. D = Dispute. S = Substitute.

Hi Damian. The safest way to end crack addiction is under medical supervision. I suggest that you call the Cocaine Helpline listed here on 1-888-497-6879 to get in touch with dependable hotline professionals available 24/7. You will be talking to someone knowledgeable about cocaine abuse, rehab and recovery centers who can help you find a cocaine recovery program.

Malena

9:45 am May 13th, 2017

K used crack for about 7 yr I was clean four like 15 month’s and relapsed Aug and March 31st got clean all over again first time white cold turkey no treatment and this time quite cold turkey too I am sick and tired of this damn drug

Ronnell

2:14 pm May 14th, 2017

Im a navy vet with medical benefits and medicaid. The VA takes months to get u i to rehab and no rehab wont help or take me because i got the VA. I need help. Now. Im hurting everybody who love me.

Lydia @ Addiction Blog

11:43 am May 15th, 2017

Hi Ronnell. Call the Cocaine Helpline on 1-888-497-6879 to speak with dependable hotline professionals available 24/7. You will be talking to someone knowledgeable about cocaine abuse, rehab and recovery centers who can help you find a cocaine recovery program.

Lydia @ Addiction Blog

12:21 pm May 22nd, 2017

Hi Malena. If you have any troubles with quitting crack again, I suggest that you call the Cocaine Helpline on 1-888-497-6879 to get in touch with dependable hotline professionals available 24/7. You will be talking to someone knowledgeable about crack/cocaine abuse, rehab and recovery centers who can help you find a crack/cocaine recovery program.

Rebecca

2:34 pm June 12th, 2017

I’m addicted to crack every day all day almost for over a year I need help I don’t want to do this nomore I beat18yr of alcoholic use3yr sober now I want to beat this i need help my mind thinking is not right

Lydia @ Addiction Blog

5:55 pm June 12th, 2017

Hi Rebecca. Call the Cocaine Helpline listed here on 1-888-497-6879 to get in touch with dependable hotline professionals available 24/7.

Crystal

7:54 pm July 19th, 2017

Been clean for 2 days. Can’t find a rehab that takes Medicare. Family is not supportive and I have no transportation. I am also being evicted from my apartment. What should I do?

Lydia @ Addiction Blog

9:58 am July 20th, 2017

Hi Crystal. Call the helpline you see on the website to speak with a trusted treatment consultant.

Wanda

8:52 pm July 27th, 2017

I need help,but want to do outpatient.been hiding from family for several years they suspect.but tired haven’t use in a week. Moved away from my hometown to another state to get away from the environment like I said it’s been a week now hopefully be years to come I’m trusting in God in the strength from my grandkids to beat terrible the disease but I would love to talk to someone on The Daily basic to get me through this process determine and willing by the grace of God

Lydia @ Addiction Blog

10:27 am July 28th, 2017

Hi Wanda. Call the Cocaine Helpline listed here on 1-888-497-6879 to get in touch with dependable hotline professionals available 24/7. You will be talking to someone knowledgeable about cocaine/crack abuse, rehab and recovery centers who can help you find a cocaine/crack recovery program.

Nana

3:34 pm August 4th, 2017

i have been using crack almost for a year now and i want to stop.i only smoke crack when i have money and i want to stop…..Am in Ghana now.i have lose so many things and i need your help now…

Chris

4:54 pm August 19th, 2017

I have a baby and stop using crack cocaine. I was in active addiction with the father of my baby. I’ve been clean for 1 year and a half. I had a little slip this week & I had so many sigs to stop. I was hearing evil sounds, seeing weird things. Also a black cat crossed my path. I’m convinced that the demons are around and God wanted me to see these signs and wake up & not repeat this mistake again. I’m turned off but I am going to work hard with a counsellor, meetings & my psychologist. I don’t want that drug or lifestyle anymore. Now that I relapsed my urges are stronger. I need to just deal with them. Please someone tell me, I know ppl have hallucinations while on this drug but mine were really freaky. The evil laughers, looking at the stem was so demonic to me. Why would I reach out to something I know is disgusting for me. Help Is it normal for me to think that while I relapsed on crack that all the evil things I was hearing are maybe God’s angel wanting me to recognize that I will be in a bad place. When the black cat appeared out of nowhere it freaked me out. It looked at me & left. I hope that I’m right, I feel like that was my good by to crack ( I have so much to lose & at this point using has made me realize I will LOSE everything) I don’t want to even think I could handle it in moderation. It’s too hard core of a drug

Lydia @ Addiction Blog

2:52 pm August 30th, 2017

Hi Chris. Call the Cocaine Helpline listed here on 1-888-497-6879 to get in touch with dependable hotline professionals available 24/7.

Latanya

4:35 pm August 31st, 2017

I need help. I want off the CRACK. PLZ HELP

Lydia @ Addiction Blog

4:46 pm August 31st, 2017

Hi Latanya. Call the Cocaine Helpline listed here on 1-888-497-6879 to get in touch with dependable hotline professionals available 24/7. You will be talking to someone knowledgeable about cocaine abuse, rehab and recovery centers who can help you find a cocaine recovery program.

Hi Christine. I suggest that you consult with your daughter's doctor about this. Also, you may searc...

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Addiction Blog is a network of writers and bloggers managed by Lee Weber. Contributors are industry leaders who are interested in the field of addiction treatment. We embrace new ideas and alternative therapies for the treatment of all types of addiction.

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